The Huskies traveled to Pullman last weekend riding a seven-game winning streak. They were also riding a seven-game losing streak to their cross-state rivals, WSU.

That losing streak ended for a Washington team that had ­­— for some time — looked rather unimpressive. Maybe the team made a New Year’s resolution to come ready to play, because the Huskies finally snapped their series of hardwood Apple Cup losses, extending their season winning streak to eight.

And they did it against the nation’s stingiest defense, which was only allowing opponents 49 points per game. Tested by their own medicine, the Cougars were held to only 48 by the UW and lacked the same firepower the Dawgs used to hit six of 11 3-pointers.

Prior to beating Washington State, the Huskies had yet to earn any credibility. Matched up against two high-profile opponents in the CBE Classic, the Huskies recorded two high-profile losses to Kansas and Florida. Add these two to the dismal season opener loss to Portland, and the Huskies quickly found themselves with a 2-3 record.

Returning to the core of its team, the Huskies and potential player-of-the-year Jon Brockman looked to cruise past the remaining non-conference schedule fillers. Sure they won seven straight, but the Dawgs didn’t exactly cruise to victory in all of them.

Beating Portland State by one point doesn’t automatically give a team credibility. Missed dunks and open court layups don’t make the highlight reels. Shooting 63 percent at the foul line and committing more than 15 turnovers a game don’t either.

But the Huskies have still managed to win. Brockman, the forward who is averaging 16 points and just fewer than 10 rebounds per game, became only the second Washington player to grab 1,000 boards. Along with the guard duo of Thomas and Dentmon, he has consistently carried this Washington team.

The remaining cast of the starting five has not been so consistent. Pondexter, who began the season averaging double digits, was held to fewer than four points during the three games prior to the Washington State opener.

It’s been the Washington bench that’s stepped into the role of making up for these inconsistencies.

Considering the lightly-regarded opponents, the Huskies will need to go on a roll in the conference if they want to make noise in March. If they can improve at the foul line and minimize turnovers, Washington could emerge as one of the top teams in a conference left wide open after the 2008 NBA draft. If they continue to perform with inconsistencies and second-half slumps, Washington could be watching instead of dancing in March.

Reach columnist Nari Kalafian at sports@dailyuw.com.